Register and operate a company in mainland China

01 · ChinaMNC

Why China for founders from Antigua and Barbuda

China is a large and diverse market, and for founders from Antigua and Barbuda it can be a strategic base for sourcing, manufacturing, technology partnerships and regional sales. A mainland entity gives you a local legal presence, the ability to invoice in renminbi, and access to supplier and distribution networks that are harder to manage from abroad.

It also brings obligations. China regulates foreign investment through a negative list and sector-specific rules, so your first step is to confirm whether your activity is open to foreign ownership, restricted, or prohibited. Most service, trading and consulting activities are open, while some media, education and telecom segments have limits.

Antigua and Barbuda companies can invest in China, but expect a document-heavy process. Chinese authorities work in Chinese, and banks apply strict know-your-customer checks. Planning for translation, notarisation and apostille or consular legalisation early will save time. A local presence also helps with supplier due diligence, quality control and after-sales support.

02 · ChinaMNC

WFOE, joint venture or representative office?

The three common options for foreign investors are the wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE), the joint venture (JV) and the representative office (RO). Each fits a different stage and purpose.

• WFOE: A limited liability company owned entirely by your Antigua and Barbuda entity or founders. It can conduct approved business activities, invoice customers and hire staff. This is the default choice for companies that want to trade, consult, manufacture or provide services.
• JV: A company shared with a Chinese partner. Useful where local licences, land, distribution or sector rules require a Chinese shareholder. Control, profit sharing and exit terms need careful drafting.
• RO: A non-profit liaison office. It can support market research and coordination but cannot sign contracts or invoice. Suitable for testing the market before committing to a full company.

Your choice should follow your business model, not the other way around. Confirm sector restrictions and local licensing before deciding.

03 · ChinaMNC

The five-step registration process

Registration in mainland China generally follows five stages. Timelines vary by city and sector, so treat this as a roadmap rather than a fixed schedule.

• Step 1 – Pre-check and name reservation: Confirm foreign investment access for your activity, choose the city, and reserve a company name with the local market regulation authority.
• Step 2 – Prepare incorporation documents: Articles of association, investor documents, legal representative appointment, registered address proof and business scope. Foreign documents usually need translation and notarisation or legalisation.
• Step 3 – File for business licence: Submit to the local Administration for Market Regulation. On approval you receive the business licence, which is the company’s basic legal identity.
• Step 4 – Post-licence registrations: Company seal carving, tax registration, foreign exchange registration, and social insurance and housing fund accounts if you hire staff.
• Step 5 – Banking and operations: Open a bank account, complete capital contribution if required, and set up accounting and tax reporting.

04 · ChinaMNC

Documents you will need

Document requirements vary by city and entity type, but most foreign investors should prepare the following for a WFOE:

• Certificate of incorporation of the Antigua and Barbuda investor, plus constitutional documents.
• Board resolution or shareholder resolution approving the China investment.
• Passport copies of directors, legal representative and shareholders.
• Proof of registered address in China, such as a lease or address service agreement.
• Articles of association and proposed business scope in Chinese.
• Appointment documents for the legal representative, supervisors and managers.
• Notarised and legalised or apostilled investor documents, with Chinese translations.

China is not a party to the Apostille Convention, so check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your jurisdiction on current legalisation requirements. Banks will also request beneficial ownership information and source-of-funds evidence during account opening.

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Registered address, business scope and licensing

Your registered address is the company’s official legal location. It must be a real, documented address accepted by the local authority. Many founders use a serviced office or registered address provider in the city where they plan to operate. Some cities require the address to match the actual office, so confirm local practice before signing a lease.

Business scope defines what your company may do. Write it in Chinese and keep it aligned with your actual operations. If your activity requires a pre-approval or special licence, such as certain food, education, logistics or technology services, you may need to obtain it before or after the business licence. Overly broad scope language can trigger extra scrutiny, while a scope that is too narrow may block future invoicing.

Foreign investment rules also apply. Check the negative list for your sector and confirm whether your proposed activity is open, restricted or prohibited. For restricted sectors, a Chinese partner or specific approval may be required.

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Banking, tax and visas after registration

After incorporation, open a corporate renminbi account with a licensed bank in China. Banks apply enhanced due diligence, so expect requests for investor documents, beneficial ownership details, business contracts and source-of-funds evidence. Opening can take longer than the company registration itself, so plan for it.

Tax registration is mandatory. Most companies file monthly or quarterly returns for value-added tax and corporate income tax, and annual filings are also required. Accounting must follow Chinese standards, and bookkeeping in Chinese is the norm. Engage a local accountant or bookkeeping firm early.

For foreign staff, work permits and residence permits are handled by the local science and technology and public security authorities. The process usually requires a bachelor’s degree or relevant experience, a clean criminal record and a job offer from the China entity. Business visas are not a substitute for a work permit. Founders should also check whether their Antigua and Barbuda company needs to report the China investment locally.

07 · ChinaMNC

Common mistakes to avoid

Most delays come from preparation gaps rather than legal barriers. Watch for these common mistakes:

• Assuming a WFOE can do everything: Your business scope and sector rules limit what you can invoice and operate.
• Ignoring document formalities: Missing notarisation, legalisation or Chinese translation can stall the filing.
• Choosing a registered address that is not accepted: Confirm the address can be used for registration before you sign.
• Underestimating bank onboarding: Have a clear explanation of your business, investors and funds ready.
• Treating a business visa as a work permit: Working without the correct permit can lead to penalties.
• Leaving tax and accounting until later: Late filings can create fines and affect your credit record.

Use local professional advice for sector licensing and tax. It is usually cheaper than correcting a setup that does not match your operations.